I don't understand — can you repeat more slowly?
'Lentamente' = len-ta-MEN-teh. 'Ripetere' = ree-PEH-teh-reh. Stress on second syllable of 'ripetere'.
When someone speaks too fast or uses unfamiliar vocabulary — the learner's essential phrase.
'Non capisco' (I don't understand) uses the present tense of 'capire' (irregular: capisco, capisci...). 'Può ripetere' asks for repetition. 'Più lentamente' uses the adverb 'lentamente' (slowly) with 'più' (more). This is one of the most useful phrases for Italian learners — native speakers respond well and will slow down and simplify their language.
Può parlare più piano, per favore?
Can you speak more quietly/slowly, please?
'Piano' can mean quietly or slowly — both meanings work here.
Non ho capito — può spiegarmi in parole semplici?
I didn't understand — can you explain in simple words?
'Parole semplici' = simple words — explicitly requests plain language.
Capisce l'inglese? Faccio fatica con l'italiano.
Do you speak English? I struggle with Italian.
Switching to English when Italian fails — honest and practical.
Italians are generally very encouraging to foreign learners of their language. Even a small attempt to speak Italian — however imperfect — is warmly received. The concept of 'bella figura' (making a good impression) applies to language learners too: showing effort and politeness is more important than grammatical perfection. Italian learners are often praised enthusiastically for minimal effort.